Tunisian judges began an indefinite strike on Tuesday to protest at the firing of dozens of magistrates, increasing pressure on a government already facing the biggest upsurge in protests since it came to power in a democratic transition.
Justice Minister Noureddine Bhiri fired 81 judges earlier this week on suspicion of corruption and ties to the administration of Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, the autocratic ruler ousted last year in a revolt that inspired the "Arab Spring."
"Resorting to dismissal runs counter to transitional justice, which requires disclosure of the truth and the provision of a fair trial and the right of defense," Rhawda Laabidi, the head of the Judges Union, said in a statement.